Re-think over Leeds farmer’s market site

Leeds Farmer’s Market could be on the move again as the council plans to review a decision to re-locate it to Kirkgate.

This follows the boycotting of the market by some traders who were unhappy about moving from the popular location on Briggate to the Kirkgate area.

In an email to traders, the council’s head of markets explained the authority’s logic behind the move and proposals to remedy the situation.

Sue Burgess said: “We do want to give the new location at Kirkgate Market a fair chance, recognising it may take some time to build footfall.

“However given the different issues and views on the market location we will over the few weeks hold discussions with traders and city centre retailers regarding the best long term location, and we will conclude this review in January.”

After four years of trading on the first and third Sundays of the month at Briggate, the market was moved to its original home on Kirkgate in a bid to boost offering in that area and capitalise on extra footfall generated by the Victoria Gate and John Lewis developments.

However, traders argued extra business didn’t materialise, with some not making enough to cover stall hire costs.

They added there were problems with rough sleepers and people having urinated or vomited on Saturday nights in the area where food stalls are.

Trader Peter Olley said a review in January will be too late as the run up to Christmas is their peak time.

Ms Burgess added: “We have worked hard to promote the new location and we agreed to waive the stall fee for the two dates in November.”